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The Julian Alps & Friuli's Collio Wine Region

This week will be officially referred to as "The Ride." Start the day overlooking Italian vineyards and by afternoon gaze at the majestic beauty of the Julian Alps. Welcome the challenge of two completely empty alpine passes (save for your fellow biking companions). Fight that inner conflict between taking in the view and taking on the next corner. Remember how to say "Good Morning" in Slovenian. Toast in the stunning town of Bled. And, yes, tasting the local pinot grigio and tocai will be incredible. But it's still about the ride.

Itinerary

Day
1Bike tranquil lanes with light traffic and unparalleled scenery Visit Aquileia, a World Heritage site with exquisitely restored Roman ruins Worked up an appetite? Feast on delicious polenta, prosciutto San Daniele, and other Friulian specialties at Michelin-starred La Subida.

Day
2Superlative white wines from the Collio region of Friuli, one of Italy's best-kept secrets, where low hills lie blanketed in chestnut forests, cherry orchards and tidy vineyards On rolling hills, venture into neighboring Slovenia and the Goriška Brda wine region for incredible riding and your first taste of Eastern European culture Enjoy hearty alpine cuisine at an agriturismo, a working farm where we're treated like family.

Days
3-4Challenge yourself on two mountain passes reminiscent of classic climbs in that famous French bike race After a thrilling descent, enter Soča River Valley for a spin to the sleepy village of Bovec (Beautiful Valley) Take in the turquoise Soča River and remarkable limestone peaks of Triglav National Park.

Hotel Vila Bled

Guest Reviews About This Trip

This was an incredible trip. The biking was challenging but so rewarding. There is nothing more inspiring than working your way through a steep climb only to be rewarded with the most stunningly beautiful views of snowcapped mountains, waterfalls and crystal clear rivers. Our guides were wonderful - so full of local knowledge, completely accommodating and simply a pleasure to be around. They anticipated our every need and want, surprising us with little touches throughout each day. I hope we are lucky enough to have them again as guides!

Susan Faxon- Harrison, NY

Unique and wonderful sites, challenging biking, superb leaders! Another SUPERB Backroads trip! Having taken more than 25 trips with Backroads, we continue to marvel at the quality of your leaders, itineraries, cultural experiences, and accommodations. We plan to take many more trips with you!

Jeanne Knox- Minneapolis, MN

Once again, Backroads provided what I've come to expect - top-rated guides leading us through beautiful scenery, providing historical background and context, and delivering us to fine hotels and dining.

This Trip Is Rated Level 2-5

Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Daily Route Options

Day

EASYGOING

ACTIVE

AVID

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

1

23

300

Aquileia Guided Walk (1 Hour)

2

24*

900

39

1000

49

2200

60

3700

3

27*

1100

34*

1500

43*

1700

60

3700

4

22*

700

37*

2200

52

4900

5

16*

700

25*

2600

41

3400

69

7200

33*

900

6

18

900

Castle Walk (2 Hours)

note:

* Includes a shuttle

Private Trips Options & Pricing

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.

You can pick from a large selection of dates for your group of 8 or more. Call us for date availability.

If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.